Creating Early Educational Opportunities in Northern Ghana

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Why Early Education? Studies have repeatedly shown that strong early educational experiences increase children’s self-confidence, emotional intelligence, love of learning, and academic abilities. Many of these gains benefit children throughout their schooling, and there is evidence that people who attend pre-school earn more money throughout their careers. Our approach to early education emphasizes interactive learning, which has been demonstrated to be effective in repeated studies and which is rare in the region. Focusing on early education is the most impactful way to develop the next generation of doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, informed voters, and leaders in Ghana.

Why Northern Ghana? Northern Ghana is the poorest part of the country for a variety of historical reasons and the fact that it’s geographically far removed from the ports. Its literacy rates are also the lowest in the country, with an average adult literacy rate of 23% (less than half the national average) and a female adult literacy rate of 13%. In order for the region to thrive economically, it must have a stronger education system – starting with early education – that prepares people to build businesses, teach the next generation, and hold politicians accountable.